Instrumental Review ( mariachi, spaghetti westerns, surf rock, cantinas): Gringo Motel-Above Snakes

 Release Date: September 20, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

According to Gringo Motel, their influences include mariachi, spaghetti westerns, surf rock, cantinas, and the circus.

Because their music is so variable, I describe it as instrumental for simplicity. The band itself suggests the label “the circus,” which is broad and fitting given their diverse influences. Ultimately, listen and decide for yourself if it fits a genre that resonates with you.

Don’t try to categorize this band—listen with an open mind instead.

If you like music with horns and spice, Above Snakes will suit you. The band’s name may hint at Spanish origins, but they’re from Philadelphia. Cover art may also imply a connection to a culture outside the US. Even so, this kind of artwork matches the style of music and is commonly used in the surf instro community and sub-genres.

That’s music’s beauty: you can be from anywhere and create something with a unique flavor or influence. The key is to be convincing and own it. Gringo Motel captures the music’s color and energy on every track.

My favorite track is “Evil Muppet” for both its title and its music. Constantine and Hopper are examples of villains among the characters on The Muppets. The music is offbeat and entertaining, which caught my attention.

It’s challenging to add horns and keep good rhythm and flow. A strong bottom end unifies everything else.

Though they cite surf rock among their influences, I only caught brief hints of it in the title track, “Above Snakes.” Overall, the music leans more toward mariachi. This talented group makes for an entertaining listen, and they’re worth your time.

So “Get Your Mouth Off The Pool” (see track 10) and take some time to listen to Gringo Motel’s Above Snakes.

Credits:

Tom Scheponik: Guitars/Pedal steel/Vibraphone/hammond organ/upright bass/marching drum/percussion/Hand Claps

Mark Gallagher: Tenor Sax/ Baritone Sax

Gary Zampini: Electric bass

Rich Breazzano: Drums

Christopher Tolomeo: Trumpet, Cornet, Trombone, Acme Siren

Katherine Scheponik: Hand Claps

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

December 30, 2025

 Tracks:

01. Shake And A Stir 03:51

02. Señor Doublecross 02:17

03. Copy That 03:29

04. Lies Somewhere Else 02:25

05. Standard Getups 02:08

06. Vacant Stare 02:02

07. Lot Lizard 02:16

08. Barnyard Steam Room 02:51

09. Evil Muppet 02:12

10. Get Your Mouth Off The Pool 03:38

11. Above Snakes 03:18

12. Trailer 04:10

13. It's Curtains For You 02:13

Instrumental Review: Paul Johnson - Liquid Blues

Paul Johnson, a guitar maestro of legendary proportions in the surf-instro community, has been a household name since the 1960s. His creation of classic surf-instrumental songs, such as “Mr. Moto,” is a testament to his expertise and influence in the industry.

Now with Liquid Blues, the man defies any musical categorization by blending every popular genre into one instrumental gem after another. 

Some styles you will find more prevalent than others, hence you have descriptive titles like “Liquid Blues” and “Albion Blues”, whose main focal point is its namesake, but with a more of an instro twist, using bits and pieces of every genre and sub-genre to make it a full menu of instrumental delights. And oh, so delightful it is.

PJ has his foot on the pedal, and he gives it plenty of gas on every track on this fantastic CD. He has it all covered on tracks 1-14, and each one is a standout musical statement. With a rich history of creativity behind him, he expertly records an all-inclusive, non-stop trip around the musical map. While tremendous technical ability is an asset, one cannot overstate the importance of the experience and knowledge that an artist acquires over the years. Regarding his favorite weapon, the versatile six-string… PJ has a resume to be reckoned with.

Once again (as on Surf Unplugged), PJ covers “California Dreamin’” only this time he plugs it in. For me, hearing this song is a divine musical transport. I recall it from when I was a little boy, and I knew it was special back then. It still holds a particular attraction and power over me, coaxing chills up and down my spine.

Paul Johnson is heaven-sent, and his music is delivered straight from heaven via his heart and communicated through his hands. This CD is a masterwork of guitar genius. This is what music is all about; it’s supposed to make you feel every possible emotion, sight, and sound that we know as sentient beings on this planet.

If you have an unquenchable appetite for instrumental music like I do, you will Love this CD.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
March 17, 2001

Artist Commentary:

I asked Paul why he titled the album Liquid Blues. This is what he had to say:

Partly, it depends on how you define "blues." No, this ain't a hardcore blues collection (though I think "Albion Blues" might qualify in that dept.) But most of the music is "blues-based" in its structure (this is
true for a lot of music) in that it's derived from forms rooted in the blues idiom.

But more to the point, it evolved as an album title after I came up with that name for the title tune. After I created that piece, I wanted to name it "liquid" something, because of its fluid nature. And even though it isn't "down and dirty," it is very much a blues-structured tune. Hence - "Liquid Blues." And since everyone seemed to like the ring of that, it went into high contention for an album title.

Tracks:

01. Andele

02. California Dreamin’

03. Greenroom

04. Uptown Strut

05. Spiro

06. Java Jump

07. Desert Madness (tango)

08. Coney Island Fever

09. Big Shot

10. Tsunami

11. Liquid Blues

12. Albion Blues

13. The Ring Of Truth

14. Perseverance